HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (Feb. 21, 2024) – In a move that’s revving up excitement and stability, Toyota Alabama proudly fired up its new i-Force 2.4-liter turbo engine line for the latest Tacoma model. This development, fueled by a hefty $222 million investment, is Toyota’s latest gear shift towards diverse powertrains that consumers are eagerly revving their engines for.
Jason Puckett, the president of Toyota Alabama, couldn’t hide his enthusiasm. “Launching the i-Force 2.4-liter turbo engine line is more than just a milestone for us; it’s a turbo boost for our 2,000 employees’ job security,” he said. “With the Tacoma now going hybrid, our plant’s every line is humming with hybrid vigor. It’s our skilled team that’s steering us into Toyota’s electrified, exciting future.”
Globally, Toyota isn’t just stepping on the gas; it’s flooring it towards a greener horizon. The auto giant plans to funnel over $70 billion into vehicle electrification by 2030, showcasing a commitment to slashing carbon footprints one tire track at a time.
This new engine line is the sixth expansion in Toyota Alabama’s playbook, jacking up the total investment to a whopping $1.5 billion. Last year, the plant broke records, assembling over 777,000 engines for North America’s Toyota lineup, including crowd favorites like the Tundra, Sequoia, Corolla, and RAV4.
But it’s not just about engines and exhaust pipes. Toyota is driving full throttle into community success and long-term employment. Last year’s highlights include a $49 million solar array project, in cahoots with Huntsville Utilities and Toyota Tsusho, set to power 70 percent of the plant’s energy needs. Plus, a generous $6.7 million in grants is fueling Huntsville City Schools’ students towards careers in STEM, part of Toyota USA Foundation’s Driving Possibilities initiative.
As Toyota Alabama gears up for a future where the roar of engines harmonizes with environmental sustainability, one thing’s clear: they’re not just manufacturing engines; they’re powering dreams and greening their drive.
